Beware of long term nicotine patch use. Follow the instructions to reduce your use of patches progressively as the instructions say. The manufacturers tend to say treatment should continue for 3 months before lowering the dose. Do gradually reduce that dose, as they suggest, after the initial period of use!
Although a helpful aid in the fight against tobacco addiction, the nicotine patch can prove addictive and you may find yourself developing an urgent need to smoke again.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
As with most things that are worthwhile in life, the use of nicotine patches as a nicotine replacement therapy has to be carefully regulated so that harmful side effects are neither introduced nor allowed.
If you are thinking of giving up smoking, you should take into consideration the possible nicotine patch side effects and how to prevent or stop them.
Possible Nicotine Patch Side Effects
There are many possible nicotine patch side effects in addition to a form of addiction, but some of the most distressing are the ones related to the actual addiction to the nicotine patch seen in long term users.
The very first thing that may register in your mind when you start using the patches is the smokers urge to light up.
This is one of the worst things that you can experience and it makes you feel weak and uncomfortable.
In worst-case scenarios, the individual may feel light-headed and the possibility of lightening up and dying from lack of oxygen becomes almost real.
Chewing a Nicotine Patch
Apart from the urge to smoke, another of the common nicotine patch side effects is the urge to chew on objects that have been placed on the patch.
For example, during replacement therapy (NRT) the individual may start biting on the patch or other things around the area. Chewing is not only dangerous for the individual, but it also releases harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, thereby causing serious problems.
MYTH: Vaping is as harmful as smoking cigarettes
Loss of Appetite
Another common problem that has been reported is the loss of appetite. The patches tend to make an individual feel extremely hungry and this can become a major problem because most of us lose interest in eating anyhow when we are under a spell of severe dieting.
How long is too long to wear nicotine patches?
To counter this, it is recommended that you take your dose of nicotine patches at least four weeks in advance and consume one patcher per day at least for four weeks.
If the body does not accept the patch, you will find yourself experiencing withdrawal symptoms which will include nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
So, less of the devil's advocate! Heed our warnings but also remember the following:
Most Users Find Nicotine Patches Very Effective
Most of the people who have used the nicotine patches have found them very effective and they provide the best way to quit smoking for good. However, like all medications, the use of nicotine patches comes with certain pros and cons.
The goal of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is to gradually reduce the use of the replacement product to the point of abstinence by replacing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco with a source of nicotine that does not contain tars and carbon monoxide found in tobacco.
A smoker must maintain a baseline blood nicotine level of 15 to 18 ng/mL to avoid withdrawal symptoms. That's why smoking abstinence isn't easy without help.
MYTH: Stop smoking treatments don't really work
Nicotine Patch Pros and Cons
These pros include the fact that it will help you to stop smoking in a very short time. Apart from this, it is very inexpensive and is easily available in the market. On the other hand, nicotine patches come with numerous side effects, some of which can be serious.
Happily, these are not anywhere near as dangerous to your health as cancer from cigarette smoking and this has been confirmed by many a clinical trial lung health study, with extensive data reports from reputable research on long term nicotine replacement therapy.
Always Read and Follow the Instructions!
As per medical experts, the use of nicotine patches may prove to be highly effective therapy, but they should be used as per the instructions provided.
Some of the symptoms experienced by the individuals using the therapy include insomnia, nervousness, agitation and depression. Some of these symptoms may also be seen in those individuals who do not use the patches, but their chances of being seen do increase.
In such cases, the individual will have to deal with withdrawal symptoms for a prolonged period of time. It is very important to ensure that you use the nicotine patch as per the guidelines and you are careful to use it at a time when you are not under any external influences.
If you want to know more about the benefits and side effects of the nicotine patch, you can Google and log on to its official website and get answers to all your queries.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy MYTH: Long term nicotine patch use causes cancer
The Right Way To Use A Nicotine Patch
If you are thinking about starting to use a nicotine patch to quit smoking cigarettes then you have made the right decision.
There are many reasons why people use nicotine patch therapy for nicotine replacement therapy (nrt) long term, and the remainder of this article will highlight them. Most of the time, nicotine is present in our bodies at very high levels.
Many people find that cigarettes have become their drug of choice. Abstinence alone rarely works. Unfortunately, scholarly research studies show that their body reacts to nicotine and gives them the hard feeling that they are addicted or have a dependence on cigarettes.
As soon as you stop smoking, you can begin taking nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). There is no need to wait a specific amount of time before applying the patch or utilising the nicotine chewing gum, lozenge, nasal spray, or inhaler. Double-check this information with the instructions for the nicotine replacement therapy you've chosen, but there's no need to wait to start using NRT.
How does nicotine replacement therapy work?
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a treatment for physical dependence on nicotine. It's not intended to be your sole method of quitting smoking.
Other approaches, such as a quit programme, will be required to deal with the psychosocial (emotional and mental) aspects of tobacco use. Use these resources during your NRT therapy and for at least a few months after you've discontinued.
The most commonly given class of anti-smoking medications is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT helps people quit smoking by giving a small, controlled dosage of nicotine while avoiding the other dangerous chemicals included in cigarettes.
Nicotine replacement treatment (NRT) works by partially replacing nicotine derived from tobacco to reduce the intensity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. NRT is available without a prescription in three forms (nicotine chewing gum, transdermal patch, and oral lozenge) and with a prescription in two forms (chewing a nicotine gum, transdermal patch, and oral lozenge) (intranasal spray and oral inhaler).
MYTH: Nicotine long term nicotine patch use is as addictive as smoking
Why is Nicotine So Addictive?
Nicotine is highly addictive because it creates a chemical reaction in our bodies.
This is why we get the ‘ravings' for cigarettes. If you are going to be successful then you need to have knowledge of how to deal with these cravings.
The best way to deal with this for most people is to use nicotine dependency reduction patches for nicotine replacement therapy. These patches are very effective because they change the level of nicotine in your body very gradually so you do not spike up again quickly. Vaping is not truly a way to give up as your need for nicotine continues, albeit delivered in a far safer way for your long term health.
Nicotine Patch Rash
One of the problems people have when using patches is that the nicotine patch can give you a really nasty rash. This rash can risk ranging from being a red skin irritation to something a lot more serious such as eczema.
The good news is that there is a non-prescription alternative to using a patch. You can purchase nicotine gum or a natural herbal supplement from your local pharmacy. These are much cheaper alternatives than the patch and you can still use them to help you quit cigarettes.
How to Use a Nicotine Patch Treatment Correctly
If you want to know how to use a nicotine patch correctly then you will first of all need to know that you should always start with small amounts.
In other words, take small doses at first. Don't be tempted to take huge doses of nicotine because this can cause a number of nasty (medicine) side effects such as heart palpitations and chest pains. It is also very dangerous to self-medicate and you may end up doing more harm than good.
Once you have found a method of how to use a nicotine patch that works for you then you need to find a way of replacing the nicotine in your body (long term NRT).
You will probably find that gum is the best way of doing this because it has no side effects and you can still enjoy a cigarette if you wish.
Why People Like to Use a Nicotine Gum
Many people like to use nicotine gum so that they can still get their daily nicotine fix without having to deal with all the associated problems of smoking.
They also work just as well if you are trying to stop smoking cold turkey. There are many different types of nicotine gums available on the market today.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) replaces part of the nicotine you used to get from cigarettes, making quitting cigarettes less unpleasant. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved five distinct NRTs for smoking cessation.
Quitting Using the Patch
When it comes to quitting smoking, nicotine replacement treatment is an excellent place to start.
Before you consider how to use a nicotine patch, you should also consider whether or not you will be able to quit using the patch on your own.
There are several nicotine replacement products on the market that claim you can quit using them on your own but these long term nicotine patch use products often fail to deliver the results that they promise.
Who Should Not Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
There are some people who should not take nicotine replacement therapy.
It's not for you if you're pregnant or in your teens. You shouldn't take nicotine replacement treatment if you're still smoking or using other tobacco products. It's only for those who wish to quit using tobacco products.
Because nicotine replacement is meant for those who use tobacco products heavily, researchers aren't sure if it will benefit you if you smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day.
All types of nicotine replacement treatment, according to studies, can help you stop smoking for good and can more than quadruple your chances of success. The extent to which it is beneficial is determined by the amount of additional support you receive in relation to quitting.
Have I got a Severe Nicotine Dependence?
The following are signs of serious nicotine addiction:
- The habit of smoking more than one pack of cigarettes every day.
- As soon as you wake up, you start smoking.
- Smoking even if you're feeling under the weather.
- Smoking in the middle of the night
- Smoking in order to alleviate withdrawal symptoms
To put it another way, the more of them you have, the more severe your nicotine addiction is.
Nicotine Patch Vs Gum – Which is Better?
The battle between nicotine patches or gum is one that has been raging for a while now. In fact, it may be one of the more popular products to come around in some time.
Gum, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, and sublingual pills are all examples of combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). By minimising cravings and withdrawal symptoms, providing an alternative supply of nicotine can assist to ease the transition from smoking.
It's hard to say which is better, either the patch or the gum. It's more a matter of preference. Do you like to chew gum? If so that product may be best for you.
All types of NRT have been shown to increase the rate of quitting by 50%–70%. This effect is strong and somewhat unaffected by the amount of additional help provided to the individual.
While many of these products may work well at stopping the smoker from getting nicotine into their body, there are clear differences between them that are easy to spot. Here are a few of those differences.
The biggest difference that you will notice when comparing these two products is that nicotine gum has the ability to work much faster than nicotine arm patches. It is also much less expensive. This is because the patches take time for the nicotine to enter the body. For this reason, nicotine patches tend to be much more affordable.
Nicotine Patches are More Discreet
On the flip side of that, nicotine patches are much more discreet than chewing the gum.
No one will ever realize that you are using a nicotine patch unless you tell them. Another thing to consider is the fact that you can use these products whenever you want without adverse effects. Unlike nicotine gum, you do not have to take it where ever you go. You can simply pop on a patch and then go about your day as normal.
About Nicotine Replacement Therapy Dosage
If you have made up your mind to try the nicotine patches or the gum, you will want to find out exactly how much you will need to use. Most products recommend that you use no more than forty milligrams per day. However, there are products on the market today that recommend only using thirty milligrams, and they cost even less.
There is no clear winner when it comes to choosing between the two. You may find that the thirty-milligram nicotine patches are too light a replacement therapy for your needs. On the other hand, the forty-milligram nicotine patches might be too heavy for your taste. It's really a matter of personal preference, and the choice will be dependent on the specific product that you are considering.
Can you use nicotine patches for years?
The jury is still out on that one.
How long should you use nicotine patches for?
The usage of a nicotine patch is one of the most popular ways to quit smoking. It is common for treatment to last eight weeks, even if this is all that is needed for some people.
For smoking cessation, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for up to 12 weeks is well-established.
It's generally agreed to be, safe and effective.
However, long-term NRT safety and efficacy have been a primary concern for the FDA to research and decide on what advice is relevant, since some smokers at high risk of relapse may benefit from it. The goal of this review is to describe the literature on various nicotine replacement therapy modalities now in use to treat nicotine addiction, as well as to provide an outline of future treatment options for tobacco use disorder.
Can you get addicted to nicotine patches?
In theory, the answer is no, but the FDA is looking into this possibility in case it may occur in rare circumstances when taken for prolonged periods. Nicotine replacement therapy is a method of assisting people in quitting smoking. It makes use of nicotine-containing products with low concentrations. Many of the poisons identified in smoking are not present in these items. The purpose of therapy is to reduce nicotine cravings and alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Do nicotine patches affect lungs?
For up to 12 weeks, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been found to be both safe and effective in the treatment of nicotine dependence. Beyond that, there is not a lot of research. On the other hand, there is not any well-documented evidence that we found to suggest it would affect the lungs.
There is very little nicotine in nicotine gum and patches that enters the lungs, even through the bloodstream.
Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are promoted as a safer alternative to smoking and dips by certain companies who make them.
You should, however, consult with your doctor first before trying to stop the habit through the use of these medications. Like many nicotine gum and lozenges, these products have not been approved by the FDA as a form of nicotine replacement therapy.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Conclusion
Tobacco contains nicotine, which causes physical dependence. When a person tries to quit, this can induce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement treatment (NRT) provides nicotine but not the other hazardous compounds found in tobacco in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers, or lozenges. NRT can help you focus on the psychological (emotional) aspects of quitting by alleviating some of the physical withdrawal symptoms.
NRT has been demonstrated in numerous studies to substantially double the chances of stopping smoking.
If you have tried to quit smoking in the past and it was not successful in breaking your nicotine dependence then you may want to consider trying a nicotine patch. They are more likely to break your smoking habit than e-cigarettes if used correctly. But, take care to avoid addiction due to long term nicotine patch use, as we discussed at the start of this article.
Smoking cessation patches are available over the counter and you will usually only have to apply a small amount of the patch to your skin twice a day.
This ensures that your nicotine patch is working properly, but make sure you read all the instructions carefully and abide by them.
Most people find using a patch is problem-free. It is one of the easiest ways to quit smoking and you should find it very easy to quit once you have used one. Most healthy adults are considered safe to use nicotine replacement therapy, but it's a good idea to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Any treatment approach has the potential for side effects. Some people may have side effects, while others may not.
